OUTLOOKTwo of the best defenses in the state battle in a game that will probably be decided by a mistake.

Muscle Shoals’ defense, led by its front seven with Auburn commitment Liner, allows only 75.7 yards a game on the ground and will pressure McAdory’s running game led by Bradley’s 5.4 and Knight’s 6.6 yard-per-carry average. That’ll put the burden on McAdory quarterback Kyran Moore (1,117 passing yards and 371 on the ground), who’s best in a scramble situation. The junior has the ability to turn broken plays into big gainers both on the ground and through the air.

The Yellow Jackets defense is also led by its front (Cline, Reynolds and Cory Thomas combine for 20 tackles for loss) and the Muscle Shoals tandem of Nance and Jackson (2,922 combined rushing yards) should find the going tough inside. Trojans senior quarterback Ryan Ware (1,132 yards passing) will have to keep McAdory honest with well-timed passing opportunities.

Turnovers will be key. Muscle Shoals has 13 fumble recoveries while Fell’s seven interceptions lead the team total of 20. McAdory’s Damien Whitfield (five interceptions with three touchdowns), Jackson and Jordan Wells have combined for 13 interceptions.